July 9-10, 2016 The annual Newport Regatta held on July 9th and 10th provided fantastic racing for all classes, especially the northeaster F18 fleet. Saturday morning was off to a slow start as a shaky northerly breeze died and made it difficult for the race committee to set a fair course. However, after an early lunch break the breeze began to settle from an ESE direction and the fleet finally got moving. Late in the afternoon a nice southerly filled down the racecourse and conveniently made the sail in much faster. After racing the fleet got together on shore in the regatta tent for drinks and a BBQ organized by Sail Newport. As usual the food was as great as the company! The F18 fleet always knows how to have a good time.
The wind filled in a little earlier from the same ESE direction on Sunday and the F18s fleet was off to a quick start, racing from 11am to the cutoff time of 3pm. The windward mark being set close to the bridge gave the course a physical boundary, making racing all the more interesting. Over the weekend the KVH-sponsored circle held 7 great races for the F18 class. The Giuliano brothers, having won the first day of the event, had the pressure off their shoulders and held onto first place at the end of day 2. The young guns Ravi Parent and Joseph Bello took second behind the brothers, and finishing the podium were sailing veterans Skip Whyte and Jeff Dusek in third.The Newport Regatta is a big part of the New England F18 summer series and Sail Newport always hosts a top level event. With great racing, food, and company everyone should join in the fun! Mark this event on your calendars for next year and make sure to get your boat up here or charter set in time!-Ravi Parent
